USM, Hammond deny allegations made in lawsuit

Former associate AD alleges workplace was 'intimidating, intolerable'

5:35 PM,
Feb. 19, 2013

Diane Stark

Written by

Jesse Bass
American Staff Writer

The University of Southern Mississippi and Athletic Director Jeff Hammond have answered a November lawsuit filed by Diane Stark, a former associate athletic director, denying the majority of the suit's claims.

Former President Martha Saunders also has denied most of the original suit in her answer, which was removed from Forrest County Circuit Court to U.S. District Court on Friday.

Stark's lawsuit alleges the defendants have created an "intimidating, intolerable" workplace and that Hammond used his position to insult, disrespect, threaten and intimidate. ...